Cordial reduces sugar hit

The concerned mother of three, who didn't want her children drinking sugary cordials, developed her own label, The Natural Cordial Company.

The range uses a natural source of sweetener, a herb that is so potent only a small amount is needed in production.

Dietician and nutritionist Jaime Fronzek said because The Natural Cordial Company's drinks were free from artificial colours, flavours and low in sugar, she confidently recommended the brand to clients looking to cut down their sugar intake.

The leading nutritionist said excessive sugar consumption was a "real problem", especially among children.

The dietitian said some health problems associated with consuming too much sugar included tooth decay, weight gain and diabetes as well as links to cancers and cardiovascular disease.

She said one of the reasons behind high sugar consumption was that many were unaware of the amounts of sugar contained in their food choices.

Ms Fronzek said drinks, including fruit juice, cordial, soft drinks and flavoured milks, sauces like sweet chilli and packaged foods, were among the products that often contained high amounts of "hidden" sugars.

The health expert said the most ideal products were those that contained less than 10g of sugar per 100g.

For children or those watching their weight, Ms Fronzek recommended products that contained less than 5g per 100g.